Programs that promote and preserve the conditions that enable community residents to live in a safe and peaceful environment through the enforcement of laws that protect life and property and the administration of justice according to the principles of law and equity. Included are crime prevention programs as well as programs that investigate and make arrests for criminal behaviour; provide support for witnesses to and victims of crimes; and provide for the arraignment, prosecution and defence, judgment, sentencing, confinement and eventual release and resettlement of offenders.

Public and private programs that provide emergency planning, preparedness, mitigation, response, relief and/or recovery services prior to, during and after a major fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, tornado, tsunami, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought, famine, explosion or nuclear accident, the outbreak of civil unrest, or other large-scale emergency of natural or human origin that disrupts the normal functioning of a community; or a localized incident such as a house fire which has made residents homeless. There are four recognized phases of disaster work: preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. Many community agencies add disaster relief as a phase during response and early recovery.

Organizations whose members are emergency management professionals from all levels of government and the private sector who have affiliated for the purpose of advancing the professionalism of the field, promoting mutual interests and supporting policies, procedures and practices that will save lives and protect property and the environment during times of disaster or other emergencies. Emergency management associations offer training and education conferences, provide a forum for discussion and information exchange, offer access to policy research, encourage collaboration and mutual assistance networks, advocate for legislative initiatives and other measures that enhance emergency planning and effectiveness, and provide leadership to ensure that there is an integrated approach to the management of emergency programs and activities during all phases of an emergency (mitigation, preparedness, response, relief and recovery). They may also establish standards for the field, offer certification and accreditation programs, share best practices, provide a resource library and offer other types of support for members.